I know this sounds nuts, but on my tranny when I change fluid or just check it, i can not tell exactly by reading the stick. When i insert it with the writing on the handle right side up it appears a bit overfull(not much) but the fluid is not solid on the stick. I mean, it is like on halfof it, If i read the dipstick on the back side it appearsasif low on fluid readings towards the round edge on the bottom. Naturally, if i insert the stick it upside down it reads the oppisite.
Am I explaining on half the stick? Their is fluid past the full mark but not covering the whole stick. I am checking it hot and in park. I also drive it first so all circulates? Can someone explain?
thanks

If its not covering the full stick like the full width of the stick then its not at that level its at the level where its covering it completely across the width of the stick. And yes drive it make sure it shifts in all gears and what not and make sure it gets to a normal temperature. I would check it in with the truck running in neutral with emergency brake on..

If you had a tranny temp gauge it might help. I only say that because I recently made a 2000 mile trip and the tranny never ever fully got up to normal operating temperature of 130 degrees with my extra large cooler and the cooler weather (and this is in Arizona and Mexico). I'm not sure if you can really get an accurate "warmed up" reading until you are at least up to 130 degrees. If that's the case you might have to try a cold temperature reading per the owner's manual instructions. Just a thought.

I have been monitoring the level. Can(when inserting th stick right side up) read it from the back side?The top side always is tuff to read cause fluid is up the stick maybe from flow. The back is very clear where the level is. I can insert it upside down (writing on handle backwards) then read the factory markings clearly. I guess I am not sure if I have to read the top of the stick or is the back side ok. I know this is dumb but i dont want 2 quarts too many. Onlyone sideof the stick is clear to read depending on how i install the stick?
thx

You can take some white fingernail polish and place on the fill marks and it will help you to see it. Once there is a break in the covering of the dipstick don't read past it, you read up until there is a break. BTW. The trans doesn't have to be up to 130 degrees, it just has to be warm enough where the fluid is flowing through all components, you can also check in P it doesn't have to be in N. I would drive it for 15-20 min and why at a idle check the fluid level. Your system holds 18+ quarts so a quart or two low isn't going to damage your trans.

thx, can i just read either side of the dipstick or do i have to read the top side. The bottom side, stops at a point does not sortof have fluid on it for another inch. It stops. Can i read the back side, actually both sidesor do you needto read the top?
thanks

does anyone know if the fluid is going through the pump on these transmissions in all gears including park. because I know chryslers line of vehicles including jeep and dodge since i was a mechanic for them the pump only pumped fluid if the transmission was in neutral or one of the drive gears. thats the reason why i said check it in both you might notice a difference. I guess I will have to look up a flow chart on the 4r100 transmissions to see.

dodge will not flow fluid in park. Fords will..
There are a couple of aftermarket parts for the dodge tranny so that they will too, but not stock. If you have a dodge diesel and need to let it idle, you should put it in nuetral with the e brake engaged. Ford circulates in park.

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